The most promising performance of the youngsters came from Henry Slattery who played a terrific game on the half back flank. Slattery was poised under pressure and generated plenty of run through the midfield. It was the sort of performance that suggested senior football might be a possibility in 2005.
Ben Haynes, Ted Richards and Marc Bullen were the standouts of the more seasoned players. Haynes kicked six goals playing in the midfield and across half forward while Bullen got 35 touches playing in the middle. Richards stood firm at centre half back and continues to put pressure on the selectors.
Andrew Lovett (three goals), Jobe Watson and Jay Nash all backed up and played on the Saturday after playing against Geelong in Bendigo on the Friday night. Bendigo contracted players Justin Blumfield, Jordan Doering and Callum Beasy were all solid contributors.
North Ballarat was a very experienced line up and it included names such as Andrew Eccles, Jim Plunkett, Anthony Franchina and Mark Porter. Such experience underlines the impressive performance of the Bendigo Bombers.
